4/1 AD Commander COL McKean discusses specifics of an upcoming live-fire training exercise with 2-29FA commander LTC Bolen and 2-13 CAV commander LTC Merenkov.
Overseeing six battalions as they operate in the field environment is a daunting but necessary task, and the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division relies on the abilities of its leaders to ensure that things run smoothly. Everything from safely leaving East Fort Bliss, emplacing equipment and life support in a remote location, and ensuring Soldiers are taken care of in harsh weather conditions made it necessary for leaders to rapidly adjust and make the appropriate decisions. Priority of work called for units to find the balance between setting up mission-essential equipment with ensuring Soldiers are taken care of. “For example, communications are vital when you think about having the ability to call in a medical evacuation,” said Brigade Commander Col. Scott McKean. Following the first two days of setup, McKean and Brigade Command Sergeant Major Philip Pandy circulated the training environment and checked on individual units such as 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment and the 123rd Brigade Support Battalion to see firsthand that the Highlander Soldiers were ready for the next weeks of field training exercises.
Brigade CSM Philip Pandy checks his Blue Force Tracker during a visit with 1-77 Armor at McGregor Range Feb. 2.
“Do units have what they need to sustain themselves such as fuel and water? Is the rest cycle in place, how often are Soldiers on roving guard pulled in to warm up – these questions need to be asked, the appropriate procedures need to be in place to ensure we’re operating safely,” said Pandy. Brigade planners met with battalion leadership from 2nd Battalion 29th Field Artillery, 2nd Squadron 13th Cavalry and 4th Special Troops Battalion among others convened around a terrain model at McGregor Range to discuss specifics of live fire training. It was also an opportunity to discuss upcoming training events such as key leader engagements, where unit commanders will meet with Arabic-speaking role players portraying tribal leaders and town mayors. The goal of these key leader engagements is to try and establish working relationships between the units and the local populace in the theater of operations.
SSG Reginald McMeins Jr. NCOIC of medical platoon for HHC 1-77 Armor works outside of the battalion aid station set up at Mcgregor Range Feb. 2.
